KTT Darling vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Invyr Holy Panda stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing experience that is both chewy and satisfying, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. It produces a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, providing a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactility, offering a bright "clack" with each key press. It provides pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Invyr Holy Panda, we find that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The Darling uses nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Holy Panda also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, delivering a similar acoustic experience as the Darling.
While both the KTT Darling and the Invyr Holy Panda feature polycarbonate top housings, their use of nylon in the bottom housings sets them apart. The Darling's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience. The split qualities of the housing materials, with the bottom affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top influences the sound upon key release, showcase how the switch's construction impacts the overall typing experience. Although they may differ in certain aspects, both switches ultimately deliver a unique and satisfying sound profile to enhance the typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling and the Invyr Holy Panda share similarities in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing, offering a sharp and clear sound profile with the potential for RGB lighting. However, their distinction lies in the nylon material used for the bottom housing, with both switches providing a deep and full sound experience. The balance between the top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, with each contributing unique qualities to the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. Ultimately, whether using the Darling or the Holy Panda, users can expect a high-quality and immersive typing experience based on the careful selection of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is evident that there is a noticeable difference in weight between the two. The Darling has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Holy Panda features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, with an unknown actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Darling would be a suitable choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Holy Panda may be more appealing. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the overall feel and performance of the switch. For those who prefer a more responsive feel with a quicker key press, the Darling may be the better option. On the other hand, if a deeper key press with more travel distance is preferred for a more satisfying typing experience, the Holy Panda would be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant experience, with a crisp and bright clack upon bottoming out each key. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is known for providing a satisfyingly bright clack with pronounced feedback, although specific details on its sound profile are not available. Both switches are likely to provide a clear and sharp auditory experience, but the Darling may lean towards a higher-pitched sound compared to the Holy Panda.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling is characterized by its bouncy nature, offering a springy and lively feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is described as offering an invigorating and sharp tactile experience, with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. The Darling may provide a more elastic sensation compared to the Holy Panda's firm actuation force and distinct tactile bump.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling stands out for its chewy typing sensation and bouncy feedback, the Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility and pronounced feedback. Both switches provide engaging tactile and auditory feedback, making them popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. In terms of similarities, both switches seem to offer a satisfyingly bright clack sound profile and a responsive typing experience, ensuring users will get a comparable level of enjoyment from either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, accompanied by a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Darling may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides sharp tactility, bright clacky sound, and an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Holy Panda might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and feedback intensity.
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